PRINTING United Alliance Selects Installation United to Lead PDAA Installer Certification and Training

New Installation United Academy in Hyattsville, Maryland, will serve as the first location in a planned national academy network supporting professional standards, certification pathways, and installer career development

PHILADELPHIA, PA - PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, and Installation United, today announced a new strategic collaboration through which Installation United will assume responsibility for administering and expanding the Alliance's Professional Decal Application Alliance (PDAA) installer training and certification program.

The transition establishes Installation United as the new operational home for PDAA certification while preserving the program's respected foundation and industry recognition. Training and certification will begin at Installation United's new facility in Hyattsville, Maryland, with plans to build a national network of academy locations hosted by installation companies, distributors, and manufacturers.

"PDAA has long represented skill, professionalism, and credibility within the installation community," said Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. "Installation United brings the specialized focus, infrastructure, and long-term vision needed to take that foundation forward. This is a positive evolution for the program and, most importantly, for the installers, print service providers, manufacturers, and customers who depend on consistent, high-quality installation. We believe Installation United is the right home to help PDAA certification grow, reach more professionals, and create an even stronger future for this vital segment of our industry."

Building a National Training and Certification Network
Installation United is being developed as a structured organization dedicated to advancing professional standards, creating progressive certification pathways, and building a national network of qualified commercial graphic, sign, and wallcovering installers.

Through its academy model, Installation United will deliver standardized, hands-on education and certification at locations across the country. The curriculum will support professionals at multiple stages of their careers, from individuals entering the industry to experienced installers pursuing advanced credentials, leadership opportunities, and recertification.

"This collaboration gives us an extraordinary opportunity to build upon PDAA's trusted legacy while creating the structure the installation profession needs for its next chapter," said Ken Burns, founder, Installation United. "Our vision is to make high-quality training more accessible, establish clear and consistent standards, and give installers a career pathway they can follow for years, not simply a single certification event. We are committed to elevating installation as a profession and strengthening the connection among installers, print producers, designers, project managers, manufacturers, and the broader graphics community."

By combining PDAA's established certification foundation with Installation United's dedicated training structure and planned national academy network, the organizations aim to make qualified installers easier to identify and professional installation services easier to source.

Future plans include a professional network and online platform, connecting producers, project management companies, and other industry partners with certified installation professionals, along with recognition programs celebrating craftsmanship, mentorship, professionalism, and continued achievement throughout the installer community.

PDAA by Installation United at PRINTING United Expo
Attendees at PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place September 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will have an opportunity to experience the evolving program through PDAA by Installation United. The show-floor activation will spotlight the essential role professional installers play in bringing printed graphics to life. Attendees can connect with members of the installation community, see skilled professionals at work, and learn more about the expanded vision for training, certification, career development, and industry engagement under Installation United.

Looking ahead, Installation United and PRINTING United Alliance plan to make the Expo an annual gathering place for the installation community through live demonstrations, certification and recertification opportunities, manufacturer-led education, producer-installer networking, competitions, and industry recognition.

About Installation United
Installation United builds upon the foundation of the PDAA to advance professional installation through education, training, certification, industry connection, and career development. The organization is focused on expanding access to high-quality training, developing clear professional pathways, and creating stronger connections between qualified installation professionals and the companies that rely on their expertise.

About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry's vast communities. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education and training via iLEARNING+, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from our leading media brands - Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Apparelist, and Promo Impressions. The Alliance is also a global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain.

PRINTING United Alliance also produces PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.